Alexis Sánchez struck the decisive penalty as Chile ended their 99-year wait to win their first ever Copa America title, coming out on top in the shoot-out against Argentina.

The Arsenal striker calmly rolled the ball past Sergio Romero to score Chile’s fourth penalty, after Gonzalo Higuaín and Ever Banega had missed from the spot.

The two teams could not be separated in 120 minutes of football, although Chile finished the game on top, with Sanchez coming close to scoring on two occasions, and were worthy winners.

The first half was a tense affair which witnessed plenty of strong challenges and few moments of brilliance. Sergio Agüero and Ezequiel Lavezzi had Argentina’s best attempts, both which were beaten away by Claudio Bravo, while Arturo Vidal tested Romero at the other end, and Eduardo Vargas whistled a shot wide of the near post.

(Image: Getty)

The second half witnessed even less goalmouth action, although Sánchez came within inches of winning the match with a spectacular volley which flew just wide of the far top corner. Then in the final minute Messi opened up Chile on the break, playing in Ezequiel Lavezzi down the left, but the Paris Saint-Germain player’s final ball was too long for substitute Higuaín to connect with properly at the back post.

Chile also looked more comfortable in extra-time, while Argentina retreated. Sánchez again came close to breaking the deadlock, this time in the 105th minute, pouncing on a slip by Javier Mascherano to hurtle towards goal, but Pablo Zabaleta raced back and did enough to put off the Arsenal man, who shot just over the bar. Marcelo Diaz and Charles Aránguiz also had attempts for Chile as they went all out to win the game, while Argentina offered nothing in extra-time and looked relieved to make it to penalties, only to lose a second Copa title on spot-kicks in 11 years.